Creating a safe and inclusive space in sport is not rocket science, according to Saskatoon volleyball coach Hannah Ottenbreit.
Ottenbreit has been playing volleyball since she was 12 years old and has been coaching the game at the high school and club team levels since 2018. During that time, her rosters have included at least one player who identifies as a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
“To me the lesson is that adaptations are not difficult,” said Ottenbreit. “You want to create this overall neutral space where it’s about the sport and these individuals who are playing for you, and not about their gender expression.
“You’re a human, they’re a human and we’re all humans so it’s just about having that mutual respect for one another.”
For Ottenbreit, her approach starts with doing what she can emphasize that players should feel safe talking to her and to each other. They should also be feel safe to make mistakes on the court, and to watch their teammates make mistakes without being disrespectful.
In time, that approach builds trust.
“It’s very important for that person to have control over who they tell and how they tell them. [One] player was just looking some more inclusive vocabulary. Instead of ‘hey ladies’ or ‘hey girls’ it’s ‘hey team’ or ‘hey everybody’ — that sort of thing.”
Ottenbreit’s approach mirrors the Responsible Coaching Movement. Established by the Coaching Association of Canada and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, the Responsible Coaching Movement invites all coaches and sport organizations to learn and apply consistent safety principles. The goal is to create a sport environment that is safe, smart and secure.
“The biggest thing for me going forward … but one thing you learn about in education is the hierarchy of needs, and students can’t learn unless they feel comfortable, so that’s the exact approach I take to coaching.”
Keeping sport healthy, safe and fun has been a priority in Saskatchewan for decades through Sask Sport. The organization has policies and resources available that assist both sport organizations and participants in addressing complaints and preventing all forms of disputes and maltreatment. Learn more.
